Migrant deaths at sea exceed 2 000

Children in Mediterranean sea

from AHMED ZAYED in Tripoli, LibyaTRIPOLI, (CAJ News) – THE number of lives lost on the Mediterranean this year has now exceeded 2 000 after some 17 people were found dead off the Spanish coast this week.

The deceased were aboard two rickety vessels attempting to cross from North Africa.

With drownings exceeding 2 000, it means rate of deaths, particularly in the Central Mediterranean, has escalated sharply. In September, one life was lost for every eight people who crossed.

“The Mediterranean has for several years been the world’s deadliest sea route for refugees and migrants. That it continues to be so, should be unacceptable to all,” said United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees spokesperson, Charlie Yaxley.

Before the tragedy earlier this week, at least 1 989 people had drowned or went missing on migratory routes across the Mediterranean in 2018.

Around 105 000 asylum seekers and migrants have reached Europe so far this year, representing a return to levels before 2014. Spain has recently emerged as the destination of choice for migrants lured by promise of a better life in Europe.

Most of the migrants use the volatile Libya as a gateway to Europe, via the Mediterranean Sea.

This is despite the sea’s infamous reputation as a graveyard because of drowning.

“UNHCR also reiterates its call for the international community to address the root causes of displacement and drivers of onward movement that are forcing people to take increasingly dangerous and perilous journeys,” Yaxley said.

– CAJ News

Short URL: http://cajnewsafrica.com/?p=28774

Posted by Admin
on Nov 9 2018. Filed under Africa & World, News, Regional.
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